Piezo-electric defibrillation system

Abstract

Disclosed are several embodiments of a battery-less piezo-electric defibrillation system ( 2 ) comprising external piezo-electric defibrillator ( 4 ) and at least one electrode ( 5 ) connected thereto. The system includes a piezo-electric generator ( 6 ) connected to direct cardiac access—( 5 ), or indirect subcutaneous electrode assemblies ( 30 ). The piezo-electric generator ( 6 ) is energized by a spring-driven striker element ( 8 ) and produces electrical pulse for defibrillation. The direct cardiac access electrodes ( 5 ) engage the heart muscle directly via the intercostal space. Alternatively, indirect subcutaneous electrodes ( 34 a ) are positioned under patient's skin.

I claim: 
     
       1. A method of external cardiac defibrillation wherein at least two electrodes, namely a first electrode and a second electrode, are connected to a piezo-electric source, said piezo-electric source located outside patient's body, wherein said first and said second electrode each are introduced into said patient's body deeper than said patient's outer skin layer, wherein said electrodes are capable of forming a closed electrical circuit from said piezo-electric source to said first electrode, through said patient's body to said second electrode, back to said piezo-electric source, wherein said piezo-electric source comprises a piezo-electric generator, wherein electrical energy is generated by applying mechanical stress to said piezo-electric generator, wherein an electrical current from said piezo-electric generator is passed through said patient's heart to effect defibrillation, wherein electrical impedance of said patient's skin is bypassed by said electrodes. 
     
     
       2. The method of  claim 1 , whereby at least one of said electrodes is inserted subcutaneously by movement essentially perpendicular to said patient's skin surface. 
     
     
       3. The method of  claim 1 , whereby at least one of said electrodes is inserted subcutaneously by movement essentially oblique to said patient's skin surface. 
     
     
       4. The method of  claim 1 , whereby at least one of said electrodes further comprises at least one introducer element, said element capable of penetrating said patient's skin, said element assisting in placement of said electrode within said patient's body. 
     
     
       5. The method of  claim 4 , wherein said introducer element movable with respect to said electrode to electrically expose said electrode upon subcutaneous placement of said electrode. 
     
     
       6. The method of  claim 1 , wherein the piezo-electric source further comprises electrical pulse conversion elements. 
     
     
       7. A method of external cardiac defibrillation wherein at least one electrical pulse is applied directly to the patient's heart, wherein at least two electrodes, namely a first electrode and a second electrode, are connected to a piezo-electric source, wherein said piezo-electric source is located externally to patient's body, wherein said first electrode is inserted into said patient's body, wherein said first electrode contacts said patient's heart, wherein said second electrode is inserted subcutaneously into said patient's body, wherein said piezo-electric source comprises a piezo-electric generator, wherein said electrical pulse is generated by applying mechanical stress to said piezo-electric generator, wherein said electrical pulse is transmitted from said electrical source to said first electrode through said patient's heart to said second electrode back to said piezo-electric source. 
     
     
       8. The method of  claim 7 , whereby said first electrode comprises an elongated conductor element, said conductor electrically insulated along its length except its distal tip. 
     
     
       9. The method of  claim 7 , wherein the piezo-electric source further comprises electrical pulse conversion circuitry. 
     
     
       10. The method of  claim 7  wherein said second electrode is inserted subcutaneously into said patient's body by movement essentially perpendicular to said patient's skin surface. 
     
     
       11. The method of  claim 7  wherein said second electrode is inserted subcutaneously into said patient's body by movement essentially oblique to said patient's skin surface. 
     
     
       12. An external cardiac defibrillation system comprising a piezo-electric source located outside patient's body, said piezo-electric source further comprising a piezo-electric generator and at least two electrodes connected thereto, whereby at least one of said electrodes comprises a penetrating element, wherein said penetrating element is inserted into said patient's body, wherein said penetrating element contacts said patient's heart, wherein said second electrode is inserted subcutaneously into said patient's body, wherein said piezo-electric source comprises a piezo-electric generator, wherein an electrical pulse is generated by applying mechanical stress to said piezo-electric generator, wherein said electrical pulse is transmitted from said electrical source to said first electrode through said patient's heart to said second electrode back to said electrical source, and wherein said piezo-electric source and said electrodes comprise an integrated assembly. 
     
     
       13. The electrodes of  claim 12 , whereby at least one of said electrodes further comprises introducer element, said introducer assisting penetration of the patient's skin and subcutaneous positioning of said electrode. 
     
     
       14. The introducer element of  claim 13 , said introducer element movable with respect to said electrode to electrically expose said electrode upon subcutaneous placement of said electrode. 
     
     
       15. The penetrating element of  claim 12 , whereby said element is capable of penetrating patient's body and electrically contacting said patient's heart. 
     
     
       16. The penetrating element of  claim 15  further comprising an electrical conductor of essentially elongated shape, said conductor electrically insulated along its length except for its distal tip. 
     
     
       17. The piezo-electric source of  claim 12  further comprising electrical pulse conversion circuitry.